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October 14, 2013

VACANT MMA LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE TO BE FILLED ON NOVEMBER 9

[NEF Press Release]

Lewiston, Maine (October 14, 2013) – New England Fights Mixed Martial Arts (NEF MMA) today announced the addition of a 155-pound professional fight at the fight promotion's November 9 event, "NEF XI," in Lewiston, Maine.  That fight will co-headline the final MMA event of 2013 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee.  It will feature John Ortolani (7-7) of Billerica, MA facing Tony Christodolou (9-4) of New York, NY for the vacant Maine State MMA Lightweight Title.  The fight joins the previously-announced Maine State MMA Bantamweight Title match between champion Paul Gorman (9-8) and challenger Tateki Matsuda (8-4) at the top of an already-stacked pro fight card.

"It's rare to get to see multiple pro title fights in one night, but NEF MMA has done it before and will do it again on November 9," said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo.  "Fans should come to the Colisee expecting to get their money's worth, and we will deliver once again."

Ortolani was originally scheduled to face Bangor, Maine's Jon Lemke (3-1) at NEF X last month to fill the vacant title.  Lemke, however, pulled out of the fight just hours before weigh-ins, leaving Ortolani without an opponent and the title unclaimed.  When NEF MMA executives offered to forfeit the belt to Ortolani, the Team Triumph member respectfully declined, preferring to win the championship the old fashioned way - in the cage.  Christodoulou is no stranger to Ortolani.  The two met early in their respective professional careers.  In July 2010, Ortolani defeated Christodoulou in the second round of a Milford, NH bout when the referee stopped the fight due to a cut.


"I'm really excited for this fight," said Ortolani when reached for comment.  "It will be my first time facing an opponent that I've already fought.  Tony is tough and has been on a tear since we last fought.  It was stopped by the doctors last time as he had a bad cut over one of his eyes.  We have both come a long way and are much better and different fighters than before.  It will be tough and exciting for the fans too.  I also love the fact that Tony is such a good guy.  I love when two respectful guys are in their going to war and can smile, shake hands and have a beer afterwards.  No bulls**t.  Just good, hard fun. Don't miss this one."

Since facing Ortolani, Tony Christodoulou has won his last nine out of ten fights and won his last four in a row. He holds numerous titles in organizations across the country and is the number one ranked lightweight fighter back in his home country of Greece. He currently trains out of and represents Renzo Gracie Academy in New York, New York.

“Our last fight was stopped by the doctor and neither John nor myself wanted it stopped like that,” stated Christodoulou when reached for comment. “So, we’re going to do it again—this time, five rounds for the title. It was a smash mouth fight the first time and this time time we are both improved. I expect an action-packed fight!”

NEF MMA’s next event, “NEF XI,” is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  Maine State MMA Bantamweight Champion Paul Gorman (9-8) is scheduled to defend his title that night against Tateki Matsuda (7-4).  Tickets start at just $10 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee box office at 207.783.2009 x 525. For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF MMA videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”